The UK is set for a mini-heatwave at the end of April as temperatures are forecast to exceed 20C. The latest weather charts from WX Charts show the mercury soaring across the country thanks to an Iberian jet stream.
The jet stream is a large-scale and high-altitude wind current that brings warm and dry air from the Iberian Peninsula towards the UK. It can significanly increase temperatures and bring prolonged periods of warm weather. According to the latest charts, temperatures could reach as high as 24C in parts of southern England.
The jet stream is expected to arrive on Thursday, April 24, before temperatures increase over the weekend. The charts show the mercury hitting 23C in London at 6pm on Saturday, April 26, before climbing to 24C a day later.
Meanwhile, temperatures will reach 22C in Bristol, 21C in the Midlands and 21C on the south coast of England. There will also be highs of 24C in Norfolk on April 27.
Wales is also set to see temperatures of 20C over the weekend. The warmest weather will come in Cardiff at 6pm on April 26.
According to the Met Office long-range forecast, which runs from Sunday, April 20, until Tuesday, April 29, there will be "dry and sunny" weather over the period. Temperatures are also expected to be "around or slightly above average" across the UK.
However, the forecaster is also warning that there is a "risk of some heavy rain or showers". The unsettled weather is more likely at the start of the period, before the Iberian jet stream arrives.
Rain, heavy at times, moving slowly north today, with the heaviest rain in the west. Brighter conditions following across the south, with a few showers developing. A blustery day for many and feeling chilly under the cloud and rain.
Rain in the north gradually becoming confined to Scotland and northern England overnight. Otherwise, largely dry with clear spells, allowing it to turn chilly, with a rural frost developing.
Cloud and rain across Scotland easing but perhaps lingering all day in places. Elsewhere, a day of sunshine and a few showers. Feeling a little warmer, especially in any sunshine.
Remaining changeable as we move into the Easter weekend. Further spells of rain likely, especially across western areas, although some sunnier intervals also expected. Temperatures likely to remain near average.
